Teenager dies in Somerset Quarry

By Nicola Maxey

The 19-year-old from Weston-super-mare had been at Holcombe Quarry with friends when he failed to resurface after "tombstoning" into the water.

His body was recovered on Sunday by an underwater search team. Now police are warning people of the dangers of tombstoning and playing in open water and urging us all to stay away from disused Quarries.

Inspector Jo Ross said: "Holcombe Quarry is private property and is fenced off because it is extremely dangerous. Although it is tempting to jump into cool water in the hot weather, I would urge people not to jump into the unknown.

"Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible, and can cause serious injury or death if you jump onto them. Equally the shock of the cold water can be just as harmful and make it difficult to swim. Don't let alcohol, drugs or peer pressure affect your judgement."

A 16 year old died when he jumped 30 feet into a disused quarry in Shepton Mallet 7 years ago and last summer footage of teenagers tombstoning was posted on Youtube.